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Services |
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Jussi Light, M.A. Licensed Marriage &Family Therapist MFC#39617 |
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Free Initial Telephone Consultation – Many studies have been conducted to determine whether therapy actually works. The good news is that is does. However the primary factor that determines success is whether the person trusts and feels comfortable with their therapist. I want my clients to succeed in therapy, and I know that people get frustrated spending time and money “shopping” for a good fit with a therapist. I offer a free twenty-minute telephone consultation in order for potential clients to speak with me and get a gut feeling for their comfort level with me. Please note, no therapy will be offered during this call; only an opportunity to talk and determine if you feel comfortable proceeding with counseling sessions. Feel free to call me at 760-494-4394.
Individuals – Adults, teens, and children benefit from private individual therapy when they need help to grow or heal in an area that would not be appropriate to discuss with others for various reasons including confidentiality and safety.
Families – Conflict or distance in the family can be very stressful for all involved, and lead to complications for the individuals in areas not related to home (work, school, friendships). Each family member experiences and sees the problem differently. Family sessions begin with a safe environment in therapy where the issues can be discussed in a way that leads to resolution.
Couples – Romantic or marital difficulties often lead people to considering therapy as the “last option” before divorce or separation. Couples enter therapy unable to communicate or be intimate and assume that this “proves” the relationship is doomed, when in fact communication and intimacy both involve skills that can be learned. Treatment includes practical ways to improve these skills so that the relationship can be truly understood, rather than just condemned or ended.
Groups – Groups are offered for growth in the areas of marriage and relationships, parenting, depression/anxiety and anger-management. Please call 760-494-4394 for a current list of active groups.
Public Speaking – Jussi Light is available for speaking engagements with topics such as “How to Handle Difficult Teens.” Jussi promotes his practice through public speaking, and often speaks for free – contact him for more details at 760-494-4394
Areas of Treatment
Depression & Anxiety — Depression and anxiety can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of life, from relationships, work or school, and everything in between. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective methods available (click here to see studies). I have been using this method for several years and recommend several workbooks including "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns (click here to read a review) - even if you are not ready for therapy, this book can change your life.
Conflict/Anger – Whether in family, intimate, or work relationships, anger and unresolved conflict can be destructive and even dangerous if left untreated. It is often very treatable no matter what the issue, age or situation.
Parent/Child or Teen – Without doubt, the greatest relationship difficulties occur right here, because more is at stake than anywhere else. A young person needs the guidance, nurturance and protection of a parent, but often, that’s the last place they will accept it from – what’s a parent to do? Family therapy effectively helps both parents and teens (or children) to negotiate the changing roles and relationships that occur as kids grow up and enter the risks associated with youth culture.
Adolescent issues – Teens are trying to figure out how to be adults but often don’t want to accept full responsibility for all this means, while parents sometimes feel like they’re fighting a losing battle trying to protect them from the risks that abound. Drugs, sex, risk of suicide, low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders, risk-taking behaviors, peer pressure, declining grades, and a host of other issues wage war on this age group. No matter how good the relationship between parent and teen, they still turn to their own age group for guidance, and most parents fear this greatly. Thankfully, though, many will confide in a therapist and work through the issues with the support and guidance of a mature individual who they sense they can trust.
Grief/Loss – Whenever we have any kind of loss – family members, job, relationship, pet – a normal process begins, which includes bringing us back into touch with the pain of every previous loss we’ve ever experienced. If this process doesn’t proceed through its normal stages, pain is compounded greatly, and a person can “get stuck” in a place of isolation, depression, anger, and bitterness. This in turn impacts all relationships, work, and a person’s outlook. The good news is that even after being stuck, a person can get “unstuck” through counseling.
Abuse/Trauma – The unfortunate truth about the world we live in is that people abuse each other – whether intentionally or not. The impact this has on a developing child or teen is profound and impacts them for life without proper intervention. Even for adults who experience a life-threatening or life-altering experience, the impact can impact their ability to function in relationships and careers – just think of what September 11th did to so many people. Again, these areas are treatable no matter how long ago they occurred – the sooner treatment begins, the better.
Decision-making – Often therapists are looked upon as professionals who deal with traumatic experiences – nothing could be further from the truth! Many clients seek very brief services to help them to focus, reassess, or make important life-decisions. Adolescents, for example, have not learned effective decision-making skills, and when they do, their lives change. No matter what the age, brief therapy is helpful in developing the coping skills of handling life’s decisions.
Habits/addictions – Addictions to drugs or alcohol are often viewed as very destructive, and rightfully so – however, other addictions or habits, can be equally problematic. Whether eating problems, compulsive routines, sex or pornography, excessive worry or fear, or anything else that holds you in bondage – habits can be broken and overcome.
Meaning/direction – So many people are searching for meaning and direction in a personal world of chaos and disarray. The pathway out of pain is through pain, but few people seek this path, because they fear it. Yet, for those who find the meaning and purpose in their pain, the journey changes – therapy can help you understand your pain, your life’s journey in a new way that builds meaning and direction. I got into the work I do because years ago, I sought to understand my own pain – after many years, I am now helping those who seek to understand take the same journey.
Spiritual issues – So many people think therapy is part of the “sciences” and does not involve spirituality – and yet, spirituality always comes up in treatment in some way, usually in terms of how we view God. Your beliefs, values, and traditions are the core of who you are – an honest exploration of your spirituality and relationship to God, while optional, often yields the greatest benefits for long-term growth and change.
Individuals – Adults, teens, and children benefit from private individual therapy when they need help to grow or heal in an area that would not be appropriate to discuss with others for various reasons including confidentiality and safety.
Families – Conflict or distance in the family can be very stressful for all involved, and lead to complications for the individuals in areas not related to home (work, school, friendships). Each family member experiences and sees the problem differently. Family sessions begin with a safe environment in therapy where the issues can be discussed in a way that leads to resolution.
Couples – Romantic or marital difficulties often lead people to considering therapy as the “last option” before divorce or separation. Couples enter therapy unable to communicate or be intimate and assume that this “proves” the relationship is doomed, when in fact communication and intimacy both involve skills that can be learned. Treatment includes practical ways to improve these skills so that the relationship can be truly understood, rather than just condemned or ended.
Groups – Groups are offered for growth in the areas of marriage and relationships, parenting, depression/anxiety and anger-management. Please call 760-494-4394 for a current list of active groups.
Public Speaking – Jussi Light is available for speaking engagements with topics such as “How to Handle Difficult Teens.” Jussi promotes his practice through public speaking, and often speaks for free – contact him for more details at 760-494-4394
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